I can honestly say that I didn’t have great hopes for this when it dropped through my door. For one it has a different vocalist on every track – surely some continuation problems there. These vocalists include Marc Storace (Krokus), Gary Barden (MSG) and a host of lesser names. Secondly, it’s of Swiss extraction and there’s a country that isn’t exactly a beacon of popular music excellence (Gotthard excepted), thirdly the main man behind the project Holggy Begg is pretty unknown whilst finally, in reality, it’s a bit of a concept album. 

None of these worries came to fruition though as Mr Begg has delivered a fabulous album full of memorable tunes with almost no filler (except the acoustic song tagged on at the end.) Usually I like to review an album by starting at the very beginning (a very good place to start as Julie Andrews so memorably sang) but in this case I have found my self going straight to track seven recently because that’s where my favourite songs are on this disc. 

Track seven is Eight Feet Below and it reminds me especially in the chorus of Stevie Nicks’ Rooms on Fire although this is sung by a man (Michael Voss). First Way Out is the most traditional melodic rock song in evidence here and is particularly catchy and tuneful. This is followed by The Radio Is Playin’ Softly which is one of three songs sung by Holggy Begg whose voice is reminiscent of Tom Waits but would probably be grating over the course of a whole album. On this song though, it’s great. 

That’s not to say that the earlier songs aren’t mighty fine as well. Marc Storace adds a world weary vocal to the opener Broken Hearts which is a little bit bluesy and for once the press release isn’t speaking with forked tongue when it describes Boulevard of Broken dreams as, “ a real treat for all those who enjoy high quality melodic rock and AOR.” 

Ruled by Clowns with Begg backed by a girly chorus is a memorable tune which has annoyingly embedded itself in my brain and is following me around everywhere making me want to go home and put the CD on again. Isn’t that the sign of a quality piece of work? 

On balance I would say to you, dear readers, pick this up if you get any chance at all and you won’t regret it.

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams is released on October 13th via MTM Music

Let us know your views on 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams'

Track List

Broken Hearts
Footprints In The Sand
Ruled By Clowns
You Were My Sunshine
Dreams
I Think It's Over
Eight Feet Below
First Way Out
The Radio Is Playin' Softly
Tattoo Nancy
Thousand Miles From Home
The Open Sea
Below

Line Up

Fritz Schneider - Guitars
Holggy Bregg - Vocals/Guitars
Jolene Van Ar - Drums
Matt Bride - Bass
Michael Bride - Guitars/Vocals